Sunday, January 9, 2022

Back to the Classics Challenge 2022

I'm so glad that Karen have decided to host another Back to the Classics Challenge this year (it's the ninth!), since it's another of my most favorite reading challenges. Basically it challenges you to read classics for twelve categories. Here's my list (it may change along the way, according to my reading mood):

1. A 19th century classic:
Elizabeth and Her German Garden by Elizabeth von Arnim

2. A 20th century classic
My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier 

3. A classic by a woman author
A Lost Lady by Willa Cather

4. A classic in translation
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

5. A classic by BIPOC author
The Knight of Maison-Rouge by Alexandre Dumas

6. Mystery/Detective/Crime Classic
Appointment with Death by Agatha Christie

7. A Classic Short Story Collection
For a Night of Love by Emile Zola

8. Pre-1800 Classic
The Tale of Genji by Murasaki Shikibu

9. A Nonfiction Classic
84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

10. Classic That's Been on Your TBR List the Longest
Martin Chuzzlewit by Charles Dickens

11. Classic Set in a Place You'd Like to Visit
The Lark by E. Nesbit (English countryside)

12. Wild Card Classic
Evelina by Frances Burney (18th century classic)

Will you participate in this year's challenge too? Which books from my list interest/intrigue you most?
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8 comments:

  1. Karen K.January 10, 2022 1:41 AM

    I really liked L'Assommoir though it is rather dire! They're absolute trainwrecks but I couldn't stop reading it. I also love Barchester Towers, it's one of my favorite Trollopes. I hope you like it! Thanks for signing up again.

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    1. Fanda ClassiclitJanuary 21, 2022 7:47 AM

      L'Assommoir has been one of my favorites. I know it's a trainwreck, as you said, especially the ending, but, like you, I can't stop reading. I think it's Zola at his best (and it's indeed the one that made him famous).

      I thank you, Karen, for deciding to host this challenge again. :)

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  2. CleoJanuary 10, 2022 8:01 AM

    A wonderful list! I'm intrigued by All The King's Men! I hope you have a successful challenge!

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  3. reeseJanuary 10, 2022 8:16 AM

    Oooh! I've got A Lost Lady slotted in at the same place. I'm hoping to read it soon.

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    1. Fanda ClassiclitJanuary 21, 2022 7:50 AM

      What? That's wonderful, Reese! Maybe we can buddy read it? I'm going to read it in May (for my #CatherInMay). If you'd like to join, I'd be very happy!

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  4. JosephJanuary 11, 2022 8:24 AM

    Hi Fanda. I hope you enjoy Genji. Perhaps as you will have more cultural affinity to it than I did. Genji - Ugh, but Murasaki (possibly the author), she was marvelous.

    Now I loved All the Kings Men, but I'm not sure how it will translate culturally for you. I hope you enjoy them all.

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    1. Fanda ClassiclitJanuary 21, 2022 7:57 AM

      Hi Joseph, thanks for stopping by.
      Actually, I've finished Genji. Not very impressed, but I appreciated its beauty. I think growing up watching a lot of Hongkong's kungfu series prepared me a little to tolerate Genji (and all its vulgarity). Yes, Murasaki is the most lovable of Genji's ladies, right? She feels more genuine.

      I don't know much about All the Kings Men, and so I don't expect anything. Let's see whether I'd love it as you did. :)

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